Assets, Assets Everywhere: How SAS Foundation is logging Sudanese assets for local development

In this episode of the B Global by Design podcast, Kristin speaks with Abukar Omar about his innovative work in community assets development in Sudan. They discuss the SAS Foundation's approach to mapping various community assets, including human, social, cultural, natural, political, and financial capitals. Unlike a typical cooperative development model, the SAS foundation creates a trust-based system for business development, where they match those who have an asset (services, knowledge, networks, etc.) to sell with buyers. Locally, the community asset system provides a mechanism for each person in the community to contribute whatever they have available, whether it is the production of an agricultural good or childcare or an elder telling stories (cultural), and formerly use these assets as a means for trade. By recording the assets, there is a basis to illustrate value, and this value can be translated into investments, whether through bonds or other means. SAS Foundation is still in the startup phase, with a prototype program in Eastern Sudan. The relevance, however, of the idea of logging multiple types of assets at the local level as a means to leverage investment or as a means to understand what assets have been overlooked, is a model that can be applied in both emerging and developing economies.

takeaways

• The SAS Foundation focuses on mapping community assets in Sudan.
• Cultural assets in Sudan are underdeveloped and need better utilization.
• Food distribution issues, not production, lead to famines in Sudan.
• Community engagement is crucial for successful projects.
• Micro-investments can empower local communities economically.
• The SAS Foundation aims to create a food bank for all citizens in Sudan.
• Building trust within communities is essential for collaboration.
• Investment readiness programs help connect innovators with investors.
• The SAS model can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges.
• Understanding local needs is key to effective community development.

titles

• Building Community Resilience in Sudan
• Innovative Approaches to Community Assets

Sound Bites

• "We try to map community assets."
• "We want to launch a food bank in Sudan."
• "We lack a lot of human capital."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Community Assets Development

01:20SAS: Mapping Community Assets

03:52Cultural Assets and Their Utilization

07:13Theory of Change: Programs and Services

10:37Investment Readiness and Micro-Investments

15:08Community Engagement and Local Investments

19:05Food Systems Development in Sudan

24:50Connecting Communities for Better Distribution

30:00Current Situation and Community Resilience

32:18Future Vision: Establishing a Food Bank